Wast Water
Wasdale, United Kingdom
England’s deepest lake, with scree slopes plunging into it and Great Gable at its head. The road along the shore is a dead end, so it stays quiet.
Wast Water in Wasdale is the deepest lake in England, at 79 m. It is just under 5 km long, up to about 790 m wide and owned by the National Trust. Along the south-east shore run the Wasdale Screes, scree slopes rising some 460 m above the lake and designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. At the head of the valley rise Great Gable, Kirk Fell and Scafell Pike, among others; in 2007 the lake was voted “Britain’s Favourite View” in a TV poll.
The valley has just one road, which runs along the lake and ends at Wasdale Head. The approach is narrow, single-track in places and has a narrow bridge; there is no bus service to Wasdale. Allow plenty of time, especially in high season. The National Trust campsite at Wasdale Head takes motorhomes up to 6.5 m long but not caravans; book ahead and do not arrive without a booking.
- Nearest town
- Wasdale, United Kingdom
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 54.4370, -3.2980
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
- Hardknott and Wrynose passes (England). Size limits for motorhomes and trailers (length 6.5 m). Alternative: Go round via the A595 coast road.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Wasdale CampsiteCampsite3 km from Wast WaterTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Church Stile Farm And Holiday ParkCampsite4 km from Wast WaterTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowers
- The Old Post Office CampsiteCampsite6 km from Wast WaterTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Seathwaite Farm CampsiteCampsite10 km from Wast WaterTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowers
- Great Langdale CampsiteCampsite13 km from Wast WaterTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Grizedale Camp SiteCampsite22 km from Wast WaterTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Wast Water?
Wast Water is in Wasdale, United Kingdom, at GPS 54.4370, -3.2980. It is about 12 km from Ravenglass.
Can you camp near Wast Water?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wasdale Campsite, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 86 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Wast Water?
Wast Water is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake District passes: Kirkstone to Hardknott.
What is there to see near Wast Water?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hardknott Pass (7 km), Honister Pass (10 km), Buttermere (12 km) and Tarn Hows (18 km).
When is the best time to visit Wast Water?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)